The High Desert Pig Squeal BBQ Throwdown is the signature barbecue competition of La Pine Frontier Days in La Pine, Oregon.

• Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026 
• Edition: 50th Anniversary of La Pine Frontier Days (1976–2026) 
• Time: Teams receive their meat at 7:00 a.m.; People’s Choice tasting and official judging both begin at 5:00 p.m.

Teams compete by cooking a provided boneless pork butt (approximately 10 lb). Each team gets a 10×10 covered cook site and must supply their own cooker, wood, charcoal, or wood pellets. Gas or electricity is allowed only to start the fire or for pellet smokers. One team member must remain at the site at all times (volunteers will watch the cooker but will not touch the meat or equipment).

Entry:

• $30 per team
• Includes one head cook/pit master and as many assistants as needed
• Teams complete the official application and waiver

Turn-In Requirements (5:00–5:10 p.m.): Each team submits one box containing:

• 3 slices of pork (¼” to ⅜” thick)
• 3 mounds of pulled pork (2 tablespoons each) All meat must come from the same pork butt. Garnish is optional; sauce (if used) must be applied before turn-in.

Judging: Entries are scored on a 1–10 scale in four categories:

• Appearance
• Tenderness – Sliced
• Tenderness – Pulled
• Flavor

The event emphasizes food safety, cleanliness, and sportsmanship. Cook sites are judged for appearance and sanitation, which can break ties. Violations such as late turn-in, marking/sculpting the entry, or non-approved fuels result in disqualification.

Click here for more details and to download the registration form.